CONNOR Wood insists he is not winging it in his new role in City’s midfield.
The left back has been pushed into a more advanced position by David Hopkin in the last month – and is loving every minute of it.
With Calum Woods now adding to the competition with Adam Chicksen at full back, Wood is happy with the chance to reinvent himself in front of them.
He said: “I definitely like to get forward so I’ve enjoyed the last few games when I’ve been a bit more advanced. I’ve felt good there.
“As my career has gone on, I’ve worked my way further back on the pitch. I did use to play as a left mid.
“So, it’s not too unfamiliar for me. I feel that it’s something I can do.”
Wood made an instant impression in a midfield slot when coming off the bench against Accrington on New Year’s Day.
With Lewis O’Brien going off injured, Wood was given the opportunity of a more advanced position – and grabbed it with a spectacular strike for his maiden goal in senior football.
He has now started City’s last three games in midfield, with Hopkin opting to cover the absence of Woods at Wycombe by recalling Chicksen and leaving Wood where he has been playing.
The 22-year-old added: “I do love playing left back and left wing back but being more advanced is something I really enjoy.
“It gives me more freedom to get up the pitch, get more crosses in the box, hopefully more shots on goal and I like that.
“It’s great to have players like Cal and Chicks behind you and supporting you on that side of the pitch.
“It’s made easier by the players around talking you through the game. I don’t feel out of place there.
“If that’s where I’m going to get my opportunities to play, then I’ll take it with both hands.”
Statistics on Twitter this week listed which clubs gave the most minutes to under-23 players in the EFL.
City were ranked 48th – with O’Brien contributing the bulk of that game time followed by fellow loanee George Miller. Wood is easily the highest-ranked club-owned player with 16 starts in 22 appearances.
Wood, who joined from Leicester last summer, said: “My aim this season was to be in and around the first team and play men’s football.
“It’s a massive club and I’ve been given opportunities to play and show what I can do. It’s my first season in professional football and I’m loving it so far.
“It would be a big achievement to stay up and it’s definitely possible. We’ve just got to keep grinding out results.”
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